Are you ready to embark on a journey to the visually stunning wine region that will leave your taste buds craving for more? Welcome to Alto Adige, a place renowned for its exquisite wines that will redefine your wine tasting experience. Prepare yourself to indulge in the flavors of pinot grigio and gewurztraminer like never before and explore the world of red wines with grape varieties that are completely new to your palate.
Unveiling the Secrets of Alto Adige
Alto Adige, also known as Südtirol, is nestled in a serendipitous spot that allows for the perfect cultivation of grape varieties. Despite being an alpine valley, the region benefits from warm breezes that sweep across Lake Garda and the protective shield of the Alps, creating a sunny and favorable climate. As you ascend in elevation, the temperature gradually cools, thanks to the alpine influence, enabling the growth of both aromatic, zesty, cool-climate white wines and bold, full-bodied, age-worthy reds.
Enter the Germanic Influence
When you visit Alto Adige, you’ll immediately sense the strong Germanic influence that permeates the region. Although officially Italian, Südtirol was part of the Austrian Empire for seven centuries. This historical connection is reflected in the dual names of the grape varieties, with both German and Italian designations. So, get ready to explore the region’s wines using their unique Germanic monikers.
Pinot Grigio: Unveiling the Mutant
Pinot Grigio, a mutation of the popular Pinot Noir, offers a fascinating range of styles depending on its growing location. In Alto Adige, I invite you to savor the Elena Walch Vina Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio. Its medium straw color, with hints of gold, alludes to the grape’s close resemblance to red grapes. As you raise the glass to your nose, you’ll be greeted by the enticing aromas of honeydew melon, white peach, a touch of tarragon, lemon peel, and a unique mineral note akin to wet chalk.
On the palate, this Pinot Grigio pleasantly surprises with its light and dry nature, yet it possesses a notable body. The explosion of acidity is balanced by the sweet, fruity notes of cantaloupe or honeydew melon, leading to a waxy, oily finish that lingers on your mid-back palate. If you prefer a lean and mineral style, explore the wines from Val Isarco. For a richer, more full-bodied experience with peachy and oily characteristics, look for wineries around Bolzano, Terlano, or Tramin.
Gewurztraminer: The Aromatic Delight
Prepare yourself for a sensory journey as you encounter Gewurztraminer, a grape variety that elicits strong emotions. The Cantina Tramin Neuser Palmer Gewurztraminer embodies the essence of this captivating wine. Its richer, medium gold color, with hints of copper, hints at the pinkish hue of the grape itself. As the wine reaches your nose, you’ll be captivated by its intense aromas of sweet rose, lychee, lime peel, fresh cut flower stems, and young coconut.
Alto Adige showcases the unique ability of Gewurztraminer to maintain acidity despite being a generally low-acid grape. This particular wine offers a sparkling acidity that enhances the sweet notes of Meyer lemon. While the wine is dry, the aromas are deceptively sweet, and a crisp, crunchy bitterness balances out these delightful scents. Look for vineyard-designated Gewurztraminer wines if you want to explore more of this captivating grape, and keep an eye out for “Vigna” on the label.
Skiava: A Taste of Indigenous Delight
Now it’s time to delve into the indigenous varieties of Alto Adige, beginning with Skiava. Known as Vernatsch in German or Lago di Caldaro or Calfarsi in regional names, Skiava offers a unique tasting experience. The Azienda Agricola San Michele Appiano “St. Michael-Eppan” Classico Superiore is a fantastic representation of this variety. Its pale ruby color, almost resembling pale purple, invites you to explore its aromatic profile.
As you take a whiff, you’ll be transported to a world of confection with scents of Luxardo or maraschino cherry, marzipan, almond joy, raspberry sauce, and a subtle hint of wet slate. Skiava wines from Alto Adige are known for their mouth-filling nature, and this one is no exception. The sour cherry notes on the palate are accompanied by good acidity and a touch of smooth tannins, creating a truly enjoyable wine. If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir’s lighter style, this Skiava is a must-try. For a quality selection, explore Santa Maddalena, located just outside of Bolzano.
Lagrein: A Proud Indigenous Gem
Indigenous to Alto Adige, Lagrein is a grape variety that is worth seeking out. Cantina Terlano “Gries” Lagrein Riserva perfectly showcases the captivating nature of this grape. Its deep ruby color immediately catches your eye, while the aromas of black raspberries, sweet black cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and a hint of mint transport your senses to new heights. A subtle minerality, reminiscent of crushed gravel, adds complexity to this enticing wine.
On the palate, Lagrein offers a mouth-filling experience, with an explosion of red cherry fruit dominating the mid-palate. Tannins provide a structured presence, especially in the front of your mouth, while the finish delivers a warm, sweet cherry sensation on the back of your palate. These wines demonstrate their aging potential, with flavors transitioning from rich, bright cherry fruit to tobacco and smoky undertones. Truly a wine to savor and cherish.
Unlock the Treasures of Alto Adige
Congratulations! You have now experienced a preview of the wonders that await you in Alto Adige. This extraordinary wine region, ranked among Italy’s top 20, offers a wealth of incredible wines waiting to be discovered. If you’re eager to learn more, we have recently launched a comprehensive region guide on Alto Adige, featuring every single producer and their exceptional wines. Visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill to embark on your wine adventure and explore the captivating world of Alto Adige. Cheers and happy drinking!